Death of Bosco McGill: 'Anybody who had him as a friend was privileged indeed'

The death took place on Friday in the care of Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross, Dublin of Bosco McGill from Ardara. Donegal Democrat columnist Frank Galligan has penned the following tribute to his dear friend:

I last met Bosco McGill pre-Covid in the Corner House in Ardara. He had a wonderful voice and not only sang that night, but joined in the many yarns and the craic. That cool calm voice was also synonymous with his beloved Owenea FM, who announced on Friday:

“We are saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague Bosco McGill.

"Bosco was involved in the radio for over 10 years where he presented a show every weekend along with doing tremendous work in the background which massively contributed to us securing a broadcasting license every consecutive year.

"Throughout his time as a presenter, his slots ranged from the middle of a Saturday afternoon, late on a Sunday night and early Sunday mornings while also hosting shows from his own home in more recent years.  One thing that always stayed consistent with Bosco throughout his time at the radio was his prominent catchphrase "Don't move that dial".”

The word gentleman is sometimes passed around lightly but he was the real deal. Warm, witty and compassionate, and anybody who had him as a friend was privileged indeed. The Ownea FM dial has now been moved to an eternal frequency. 

One of Bosco’s most moving and memorable broadcasts was in April 2020 when he and Pauric Gallagher commemorated the death of the great singer/songwriter John Prine, and included a poignant recorded interview with Bosco’s niece Fiona Prine and John. One of many responses to that programme was from Jeannie in Scotland:

“Bosco, your beautiful raw human heart touched us deeply . Of course you wept for the loss of a friend. If you hadn’t it would not have been natural ..showing grief in public is what I deem honorable and my work is with grieving people. Healing comes when we can express the hurt. John’s country ways were so homely as are Fiona’s...and Ardar- ish ! Keep going Bosco and Padraig we love you in Edinburgh and Glasgow .”

As well as Ardara, the Donegal diaspora loved him dearly. That “raw, human heart” had in its locker an all-embracing and sincere handshake, an immediate quip on greeting and a laid back laconic delivery. The great Maya Angelou wrote: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  Bosco made us all feel good. 

The final track on John Prine’s last album read:

“When I get to heaven, I'm gonna shake God's hand

Thank him for more blessings than one man can stand

Then I'm gonna get a guitar and start a rock and roll band

Check into a swell hotel, ain't the afterlife grand?”

That ‘swell hotel’ has a new guest…it’ll be some session!

Death notice:

The death has occurred of Bosco McGill, Dublin and Ardara, peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and in the care of Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross.

Gone to meet his beloved wife and best friend, Margaret (née O’Toole). He will be greatly missed by his children Andrea, Karl and Ruth, his grandchildren Charlie, Sophia, Juliette and Adam, his siblings Mary, Phyll, Bernadette and Gerard, son-in-law Eoghain Murphy, Ruth’s partner Vincent Roche, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and all his extended family and friends. 

Bosco will repose at Larry Massey Funeral Home, 100 Terenure Road North, on Sunday, January 1 from 4pm - 6pm before travelling home to Ardara, where he will repose at Shovlin's Funeral Home, Sandfield, on Monday from 5pm - 7pm.

Funeral Mass at Church of the Holy Family, Ardara, on Tuesday at 1pm followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Irish Hospice Foundation.

Family house private, please.